Goodrich – If you are looking for something fun to do with your pre-schooler – skip into summer with Project SKIP.
This will be the first time SKIP (Successful Kids = Involved Parents) is offering this free summer program at Oaktree Elementary School, 7500 S. Gale Road.
SKIP is for all children ages birth to 5-years-old and who live in the school district boundaries.
Parental supervision is required for all activities, including play groups, park visits and field trips three times a month.
Upcoming activities are: a field trip to Cripple Creek Farm on Perry Road July 15; roller skating and a bounce house at Rollhaven Skating Center, July 23; decorating bikes for a parade at Rust Park in Grand Blanc, July 31; swimming and a splash pad at Lapeer Community Center, Aug. 8; nursery rhyme stories at the Oaktree Elementary Clubhouse, Aug. 14; and making and flying kites at Reid Elementary School, Aug. 19.
Based on the idea that parents are their child’s first and best teachers, Parent Educators Cathy Danz and Heather McEntire at Project SKIP teach parents how to instruct their own children.
‘Getting parents involved in their child’s education is what makes their child successful,? Danz said. ‘This is also a great way for children to learn how to socialize with other children before they reach school age.?
All children who apply to be in the program will also get services all year long, such as a free developmental screening along with annual hearing, vision and dental screenings. Monthly school readiness meetings and take-home activity kits and home visits using the PAT (Parents and Teachers) curriculum will also be given to parents.
Language, gross motor and social skills are also screened.
‘If a child is having a developmental delay, such as their speech, we will identify the problem and refer the parent to community services to help their child,? said Danz. ‘Getting parents involved in the developmental success of their program makes sense. It is important to resolve these kinds of problems before they get to school.?
The SKIP project is a federally funded program. Business partners, Macy’s, Target and Merkley Trust, along with the United Way of Genesee County and grants by the Michigan Department of Education, in conjunction with the Genesee Intermediate School District make this free program possible.
Details: 810-591-5207.